Your feet are made up of numerous components, including thirty joints, which makes them one of the primary locations for arthritic conditions to develop. Three common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and trauma induced arthritis.
The symptoms of the different types of arthritis tend to get worse as you age, and they consist of swelling, pain, redness, warmth, and stiffness in the joints. These symptoms are frequently more noticeable upon rising from sleep and after other periods of inactivity.
Treatment for arthritis in the feet and ankles may include the following methods:
- Cortisone treatment—Injections of corticosteroids often provide immediate relief from pain and stiffness, but may require ongoing treatments.
- Physical therapy exercises—These exercises are excellent for strengthening muscles and increasing flexibility in your toes, feet, and ankles.
- Custom orthotic inserts—These inserts can be used to shift pressure away from inflamed joints.
- Medications—such as ibuprofen or Tylenol can be taken to relieve pain and inflammation. Topical versions can be applied directly to the painful joints.
- Surgical intervention—For severe cases when other methods don’t provide sufficient relief, surgery may be required to improve movement and decrease pain.
If you are experiencing the painful and debilitating effects of arthritis in your feet and ankles or need advice on treatment methods be sure to see your foot care professional. At Your Next Step, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience, to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including sports injuries, joint pain, toe deformities, nail fungus, chronic tendon pain, and skin problems. Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen provide high-quality foot and ankle care to patients in the greater Philadelphia area at our offices conveniently located in Ardmore, Paoli, and Downingtown. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.